News

Stop-arm cameras added to 5 buses

By |

Centerville schools target routes with most violations

Area motorists are warned: Centerville-Abington Community Schools has installed five new stop-arm cameras on buses to catch those who might endanger student safety. Assistant Superintendent Sean Stevenson told the school board Jan. 25 meeting that new cameras especially target where most violations occur: U.S. 40 and Pottershop and Centerville roads. CACS buses stopping on U.S. 40 average three violations per week; other buses vary. Stevenson said CACS sees more stop-arm violations than residents would think.

News

Renovated rink ready to roll

By |

Volunteers, donations enhance Dublin Community Club

After several weeks of renovations, Dublin Community Club is ready for skating enthusiasts and those just looking for a safe Saturday hangout spot. The volunteer-led rink reopens to the public on Saturday, Feb. 4, for open skating. On its debut night, special hours of 5-9 p.m. will be offered instead of the usual 6-9 p.m. hours on future Saturdays. Admission is $5 per person, including skate rental.

News

RHS reopens after flood repairs

By |

Board OKs new courses; Test planning 100th anniversary

Richmond High School reopened Monday, Jan. 30 for instruction after a 90,000-gallon water leak during winter break led to extensive repairs. Glen Slifer, who oversees the district’s facilities, told the school board at its Jan. 25 meeting that the restoration was going well. He noted new flooring had been laid and furniture had been placed, with a few smaller projects remaining.

News

Residents confront state legislators on policy proposals

By |

Discussion covered ‘furries,’ gender, economic, health issues

Residents brought their questions and concerns to Friday’s legislative forum with Wayne County’s state lawmakers. Topics during the event at Indiana University East included “furries,” student safety, economic development tactics, historic preservation and the environment. State Rep. Brad Barrett and State Sen. Jeff Raatz briefly described some challenges during their first few weeks in the legislative session, then took questions from the audience of more than 30 people. Barrett leads his chamber’s public health committee, and Raatz oversees education and career development in the Senate. The two are busy vetting bills — Barrett noted nearly 90 affecting public health alone — before committee discussions, revisions and potential advancement to a floor vote.

News

Local officials: Tyre Nichols’ death ‘indefensible,’ ‘unacceptable,’ ‘inhumane’

By |

Statements issued after body camera footage widely shared

Several local officials have issued statements condemning the actions of five former Memphis police officers who allegedly beat a man to death after a traffic stop. Wayne County Sheriff Randy Retter called Tyre Nichols’ death “horrific and indefensible.” Richmond’s Chief of Police Mike Britt callled it “unacceptable and repulsive.” And Richmond Common Council member Dr. Lucinda Wright said the officers’ behavior was “totally heinous, deplorable and inhumane.”

On Friday, Jan. 27, a grand jury indicted the former officers on charges of second-degree murder.

News

GOP sets caucus to fill Centerville council seat

By |

Centerville soon will have a new council member. Wayne County Republican Party Chairman Gary Saunders has scheduled a caucus to take place at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1 at Fire Station #1, 414 S. Morton Ave. At that gathering, Centerville’s four GOP precinct committee members will select the new councilor from among the eligible applicants who apply. It is open to the public.

News

Local Meltdown among nation’s top winter fests

By |

10th annual event keeps evolving

The 10th Meltdown Winter Ice Festival has exceeded local expectations, and even landed on a national list of the best winter festivals. Volunteers initially understood that their commitment in 2014 — providing the community a reason to get out of their homes in January — would be short-lived. However, enthusiasm and financial support are still strong, so the festival has continued beyond its initial goal of a few years. “The Richmond community and surrounding area really showed an interest and desire for it to continue,” said Monica Koechlein, who serves on the steering committee. She credits Meltdown’s survival to at least three factors:

Financial support from businesses and grants
Organizations and businesses offering complementary events such as live music and children’s activities that continue to make the festival exciting
Volunteers who donate hundreds of hours for planning, preparing and hosting the events

The festival has no paid staff.

A snowy road with trees and bushes along the side
News

Weather-impacted schedule updates: Jan. 24-25

By |

Wayne and surrounding counties are under a Winter Storm Warning beginning at 12 a.m. Wednesday, and several organizations have announced changes to their regular schedules. Heavy snow is forecast during Wednesday morning’s commute, and roads could be slick on Thursday morning as well after melted snow freezes overnight. Here’s information about plans for treating the roads, details on a new temporary overnight shelter, and what cancellations have been announced so far. This page will be updated as more information becomes available. Cancellations, postponements, announcements

Animal Care Alliance: Closed Wednesday.

News

2 more join ballot as deadline nears

By |

Richmond Republicans, Democrats must file by Feb. 3

A couple more candidates have joined Wayne County’s upcoming election ballot, as a deadline for Richmond’s election looms in early February. Republicans and Democrats who want to be Richmond’s mayor, common council members or clerk must file required paperwork by noon Feb. 3 to run in the May municipal primary. One additional candidate filed last week to run in Richmond’s election.

News

Water boil advisory issued for downtown Centerville area

By |

Centerville issued a water boil advisory shortly after noon Friday for an area along and near U.S. 40 in the heart of town. The advisory is for Main Street to West Walnut and Morton Avenue to Willow Grove Road. Because of an emergency repair of a water main, customers in that area need to boil their water until further notice to ensures their water for consumption is pure and free of bacteria. To achieve a good result, town officials urge boiling any water used for drinking or cooking, washing vegetables, etc., for at least 12 minutes at a rolling boil before using. There’s no need to boil water for bathing or hand washing, the notice from Centerville Water Works read.